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PEARL. 



PEARL, 



A CENTENNIAL POEM 



7 

EMMA MAY BUCKINGHAM, 

AUTHOR OF " A SELF-MADE WOMAN." 



' All love is sweet — given or returned. 
Common as light is love, 
And its familiar voice 
Wearies not ever."— Shelley. 






NEW YORK: 
S. R. WELLS & COMPANY, PUBLISHERS, 

737 BROADWAY. 

1877. 



f 



r 



^.\\'V\ 



COPYRIGHT, 1877, BY 

M. BUCKINGHAM. 



EDWARD O JENKINS, 
PRINTER AND STEREOTYPER, 
20 NORTH WILLIAM ST., N. Y. 



T° 



ALL WHO HAVE ENCOURAGED ME TO PERSEVERE IN MY 
LITERARY LABORS, 

THIS VOLUME. 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

Pearl Malley »»....». 9 

Paul Leighton u 

A Summer ^3 

Pearl . » i5 

Paul ..... .... 17 

No Letters 19 

LULENA 21 

Tidings 23 

A Retrospect 27 

After Seven Years 29 

Her Comment 33 

Pearl's Answer 35 

Old Letters 39 

The Reason Why 43 

Winter 47 

Company 5^ 

The Reception 55 

A Proposition 57 

The Journey 59 

(vii) 



Vlll CONTENTS. 

Pearl's Conclusion 6i 

In the Art Gallery 65 

A Meeting .... ... 69 

Earl Edward 7, 

To Pearl ......... 75 

To Paul ^7 

Morning 70 



At Last 



81 



PEARL MALLEY. 

" *The world is a sea of snow-white daisies, 
I walk knee-deep in the level tide ; 
Slowly I wade, and the fragrant billows 
Part at my coming on either side, 

" ' Make me a path through their lovely sweetness, 
See, in my wake, like a track of foam, 
PalHd they lie with their fair heads drooping, 
Sadly marking my pathway home.' " 

Sang the fair " Margarie, Pearl of the Valley," 
Margaret Malley, a girl of sixteen. 

Heiress of all the rich lands of Lord Malley, 
" Pride of the Hall," where she reigned like a 
queen — 

Trilling so sweetly the beautiful numbers. 
Culling the blossoming plants by the way ; 

Plucking the berries that crimson'd the meadows ; 
Fairer than gold-hearted daisies, or day. 

(9) 



10 PEARL. 

Cheeks on which Hlies and roses contended ; 

Recklessly wantoned the breeze with her hair, 
Tresses, with hazel and amber gleams blended ; 

Eyes brown and lovely, a brow wide and fair. 

Even her walk was perfection of motion ; 

Lithe was her form as the willows that dream 
Over the streamlet that hastes to the ocean, — 

Thoughts pure as lilies that float on the stream. 

Sorrow and pain were unknown to Pearl Malley ; 
Never was bobolink freer from care ; 

Love and Dame Fortune — the Elves of the 
Valley- 
Guarded her childhood and girlhood so fair. 

No fancies idle, of love or of lover, 

Stirred the calm deeps of her nature serene, 
Either, while wading through pink - hooded 
clover, 
Or the sweet ferns, 'neath the Park's leafy 
screen. 



11. 

PAUL LEIGHTON. 

Stretched on the fern-tufted bank of the lakelet, 
Sketching the shadows in idle delight, 

Tracing the delicate veins of the leaflet, 
Building air-castles as roomy, as bright 

As mansions of bliss in Poe's distant Aidenn— 
Leighton, the famous young artist, for hours 

'Waiting the tardy return of the maiden— 

^^ A Hebe," he called her, " crowned with June 
flowers." 

" Ah, Lady Margaret ! Give me kind greeting ! 

Ca7t it be Pearl?" and the laughing eyes 
gleamed ; 
'' Dear little Margarie ! Of this, our meeting, 

While I was absent, how often I dreamed ! " 

" Pearl, I have come to the Hall, for the season ; 
Your father and mine are old schoolmates. 
You see 



12 PEARL. 

They've sent me to find you — this is the reason 
I recognized you as the child Margarie, 

" Whom, ten years agone, I petted and fondled. 
Pearl, how you laughed — when the tall, awk- 
ward boy 
Gave you a ride on his shoulder, or trundled 
Your wee, baby-carriage — and shouted for joy." 

Blushes as red as the lush, wild strawberry 

Stained her pure cheek as she held out her 
hand ; 
Bright was her welcoming smile ; glad and merry, 
And sweet her young voice, the words at com- 
mand. 

Thus, did she graciously welcome Paul Leighton 
There 'neath the shade of the lindens so tall ; 

And, while he talked, how her face flushed and 
brightened ; 
Beautiful Margaret, queen of the Hall. 



III. 

A SUMMER. 

Oh, what a summer of bloom and of beauty ! 

Couleur de rose was earth, ocean, and air, 
Ay, a new Eden ; and love was but duty ; 

Never was season to lovers as fair. 

Day after day, through the sweet summer 
weather, 

Over the Manor they strolled side by side ; 
Sat by the ocean, for long hours together, 

Watching the ebbing and incoming tide. 

Paul, in the gloaming, new songs kindly taught 
her; 

Paul, in art studies, directed her mind ; 
Read the best poems to father and daughter ; 

Never was brother or teacher more kind. 

" Sit for your portrait," he said, " my Queen Mar- 
g'ret ; 
Or to the terrace, come, dear Lady Pearl, 

(13) 



14 PEARL. 

And study the clouds," or "rare golden sunset," 
But Paul only studied the gold of her curls. 

Oh, what a dream of sweet love to the maiden ! 

Never had lover a treasure so rare ; 
Surely, to love was the soul's destined Aidenn ; 

Never to youth looked the future more fair! 

But, the dear summer gave place to October, 
Monarch so haughty, so heartless and bold ; 

Trailing o'er meadows his robes brown and sober, 
Painting the forests with crimson and gold. 

And, with the season, their bright dream was over ; 

Back to her studies Pearl Malley had fle-d ; 
Paul was, again, in the Old World a rover, 

Sighing for days that forever were dead. 



IV. 
PEARL. 

Gone without saying " good-night ! " 
Gone with the summer so blest ; 

Gone with my girl-heart so light — 
Gone with his love unconfessed. 

Oh, had he bade me '' good-bye ! " 
Or, in warm clasp, held my hand ; 

And, with kind words, or a sigh. 
Made my torn heart understand 

Love urged him longer to stay. 
But, the stern Fates bade him go ; 

That Duty brooked no delay— 
I could have borne it, I know. 

Though I must crush this first grief- 
Death of my love and my youth — 

Still, it will be some relief 

From him to hear all the truth. 

(15) 



J 5 PEARL. 

For, such a tender '' good-bye" 
Soon he will write me, I'm sure. 

That, through long years I shall try 
Patiently, all to endure. 



v; 

PAUL. 

Yes, the summer dream is over ; 

Back to study, work, and care ; 
Back to wed Lulena Snover 

Tall, and dark, with midnight hair ; 

Flashing eyes, whose dusky splendor 
Soon will pierce my secret through ; 

Though I play the lover tender. 
She will read my eyes untrue. 

Oh, to hold my brown-eyed beauty 
For one moment to my heart ! 

Oh, to kiss her lips ! but duty 
Bids me hastily depart. 

Bids me go like thief at midnight — 
Steal away before the day — 

Fearful that her smile and daylight 
Will persuade me still to stay. 

(17) 



1 8 PEARL, 

To sweet Pearl, I'll write a letter, 
Show her all my sad, sad heart ; 

And, convince the child, 'tis better 
That thus suddenly we part. 

Or, a message I will send her ; 

For, she knows no more of love 
Than the stars, whose dreamy splendor 

Calmly lights the sea above. 

True and artless is Pearl Malley, 
Pure her life, from care as free 

As the lilies of the valley. 
Or the daisies on the lea. 

I have sought to win her never ; 

Did not mean to give her pain ; 
But, to Lulu, all endeavor 

To be true, has been in vain. 

Yes, my summer idyl's over — 

Dream of bliss too sweet to last — 

I will wed Lulena Snover 
And redeem my fickle Past. 



VI. 
NO LETTERS. 

Wrestling alone with my sorrow ; 

Weary of friends and home ; 
Hoping, in vain, that the morrow 

Letters will bring from Rome. 

Veiling my anguish and smiling 
Gayly when friends are near ; 

Memory often beguiling 
With music once so dear. 

Avoiding the '' Woodbine Bowers," 
'' The Ramble " in the dell ; 

Paul's favorite books and flowers, 
The songs he loved so well — 

Colors and games, once a pleasure 

To us, aside I've laid 
As they fold away the treasures 

And garments of the dead. 

(19) 



20 



PEARL. 



Silently, patiently hiding 
My grief from all at home ; 

Wearily waiting for tidings — 
Longing abroad to roam. 



VII. 
LULENA. 

I've wedded the peerless Lulena, 

But, in our luxurious home 
In view of the ruined arena 

Where Gladiators of old Rome 
Once fought with wild beasts, I am waging 

A conflict e'en fiercer than they ; 
Or even the fiery floods raging 

In yon tireless crater to-day. 

Lulena molds deftly in plaster 

And chisels from marble, so cold, 
Such breathing creations her masters 

Must look to their laurels of old. 
As grand as the Psyches she fashions, 

As cold as her Junos of clay ; 
Loves Art with wild fervor and passion — 

A queen among women," they say. 

As wise as Aspasia's Lulena, 
Or yet, as the fair Zobeide ; 

\2l) 



22 PEARL. 

Gifts rare as De Stael's grand Corimia 
Of mind, not oi heart, has my bride. 

A war with my love and my duty 
I'm waging to-day — ah, Lulene ! 

Your genius, proud name, fame and beauty, 
I'd barter for Pearl, my soul's queen. 

For, when amid ruins we dally — 

Or Vatican's art treasures old, 
Instead of my bride, 'tis Pearl Malley 

With tresses of amber and gold, 
Anear. Or, beneath the acacias 

On blooming Campagna I see 
Thy brown eyes. Oh, queen of the daisies ! 

Tho' Lulu's are smiling on me. 

The hair I caress with glad seeming, 

The lips that by mine are oft pressed ; 
Are Lulene's ; yet, in fancy, I'm dreaming 

With Margaret's head on my breast. 
A lie I am living, for hourly 

Her face, young and sweet, comes between 
My own and my bride's — God forgive me 

For loving Jier more than Lulene ! 



VIII. 
TIDINGS. 

Yes, I see, I have made a mistake ; 

That Paul never has loved me, I own ; 
What an error for maiden to make ! 

Yet the fault was not his — mine alone. 
I am sadder, I ween, than poor Eve 

When she tearfully heard the command : 
"Thou this beautiful garden must leave;" 

And with Adam went out hand in hand. 

For, his love went with Eve, when exiled 

From the bowers of " Eden the Blest ; '* 
It illumined the deserts so wild — 

Pain was pleasure, and labor sweet rest. 
No more desolate, dreary, and dark 

Looked the sea-covered world to the eight 
Sailing over the flood in the Ark 

Than to me looks my own loveless fate. 

Though the homes, that once gladdened their 

lives, 
With their dead, lay beneath oceans vast ; 

(23) 



24 



PEARL. 

They were blessed with their husbands and 
wives, 

And with pleasure, remembered the past. 
Ah, how weak the romances have proved ! 

When compared with my own, how inane ; 
All their heroines love, are beloved — 

Ever true to each other remain. 

By Leander, young Hero was loved ; 

With Pyramus, fair Thisbe was blest ; 
Juliet and Romeo — unmoved 

T can read — for I covet their rest. 

Even lost Eurydice, I've read. 

Was beloved by Orpheus, the brave, 

For he entered the '' Shades of the Dead'' 
To redeem her from Death and the grave. 

Oh, my dream was too precious to last ! 

I must waken and bury my dead ; 
God forgive me for dalliance past 

With my grief, and the joys that have fled ! 

I will put this deep sorrow away. 
And, with laughter, my agony hide ; 

For Paul Leighton is married, they say, 
To Lulena, a proud Southern bride. 



TIDINGS. 

I will Strangle my weakness and pain, 

Gay and happy endeavor to be ; 
Though, the future, oh, never again 

May the sweet bells of hope ring for me ! 
And, to-morrow, I'll journey from home 

With my father, remote lands to see ; 
Where, for years, we shall probably roam — 

For the Hall is distasteful to me. 



25 



IX. 

A RETROSPECT. 

Yes, seven years have passed away — 

It seems a century, to-day, 

Since, looking backward, through the years 

Of sun and shade, of joy or tears, 

I see a far-off rosy June 

With Nature's voices all in tune. 

A maiden dancing o'er the lea — 
A snow-white, fragrant, blooming sea — 
And, through that golden summer, rife 
With bliss that comes but once in life^ 
I hear her footsteps, light as air. 
Her youthful voice so free from care ; 

Then, joyous laughter floats away 
Into the misty autumn gray. 
Full soon, a grief, too deep for tears, 
Threatens to darken all her years ; 
Till He, who calmed the stormy sea, 
Gives peace of mind to Margarie. 

(27) 



28 PEARL, 

Then, years of travel hurry past — 
Years fraught with culture, till, at last, 
Weary of study, absence, change. 
Of suitors too — who think it strange 
" The lovely heiress " — " child of song " — 
*' Remains in single bliss so long; " 

With joy she turns like Noah's dove, 
And seeks home's restful Ark of love. 
There, cheering her loved sire with song, 
She finds the joys departed long 
From olden haunts and wildwood bowers, 
And, lives again, with birds and flowers. 



AFTER SEVEN YEARS. 

The wintry wind moans in the pines, 
The snow sifts through the trelHsed vines, 
Across the porch, the dead leaves fall. 
And, o'er the threshold of the Hall ; 
While, in the distance, Leighton sees 
An open grave, beneath the trees. 

Within a chamber white and cold, 

A shrouded form — withered and old 

The face, but filled with heaven's peace, 

As thankful for the soul's release. 

The pain Lord Malley many years 

Has borne, is o'er. What room for tears? 

Yet, mutely, sadly standing there 
Tearless and pale, her curling hair 
Enveloping, like wavy gold. 
Her form — clad in the sable folds 
Of mourning, mockery grief. 
Sad outward garb, and no relief; 

(29) 



30 



PEARL. 

The Lady Pearl, the last of all 
The Malleys of this ancient Hall — 
Where ancestors their wassail songs 
Had sung, a century agone, 
He sees — but grown more fair and tall 
Is " Margaret, Queen of the Hall," 

Soon by her side, she saw him stand 
Smiling and holding out his hand, 
As famishing for look or word 
Of kindness. 

'' Margaret, I heard 
The heavy tidings on my way 
To visit him. Give welcome, pray." 
" My father loved him — for his sake 
His child, again Paul's hand will take ; " 
She thought, and said: ''Ah, truant Paul! 
For Ids sake, welcome to the Hall." 
Cold as the corse, the hand she gave, 
Formal and few her words, and grave, 
Then silently she kissed her dead 
And turned away, with noiseless tread, 
And left the artist standing there 
In mute surprise, almost despair. 
Yes, anger fierce, to think that she 
Should treat him thus, so cruelly. 

Paul, at a later hour, that day, 
When all she loved was laid away 



AFTER SEVEN YEARS. 

Beneath the beeches, grand and tall, 
Which stood like sentries near the Hall, 
Wrote, for she would not see him : " Fair, 
* Queen Margaret,' 

Oh, Pearl most rare 
Of womankind ! I've come, at last — 
To win your love — redeem the past. 



*' My wife in classic Rome to-night 
Sleeps 'neath the flowers and skies so bright. 
Two years ago, I laid her there 
With tears of penitence — a prayer 
To God that, in the far Unknown, 
She might forgive me. Pearl, I own 

** I did not love my gifted wife. 
Yet strove to make her wedded life 
A happy one. 

Lulena cared 
Alone for art. Her father shared 
Her confidence. Both won a fiame — 
Lived less for love or home than Fame. 

*' Her works of sculpture grace to-day 
The palaces of Rome. They say 

* Rome's lost her brightest genius ; ' yet 
I loved her not. 

Dear Margaret, 



31 



22 PEARL. 

My home is lonely. Come to me 
And bless my life, sweet Margarie. 

" I marvel, nature richly blest 
As yours, can find true pleasure — rest 
In friendship. 

Pearl, it can not be ! 
Please answer 

Yours, impatiently." 



XL 

HER COMMENT. 

Men think, like ripened fruits on boughs unshaken, 
Our love is waiting. 

They're oft mistaken ! 



XII. 
PEARL'S ANSWER. 

You have marveled what pleasure, what true hap- 
piness 

Mere friendship can give to a woman like me ; 
Or, one fitted to taste the delirious bliss 

Of loving, perhaps being loved, tenderly ? 

You remember my joy on a balmy June eve 
In days long ago, as we sat by the sea. 

Sang and studied the sunset ? I never will grieve 
If hours of such happiness oft come to me. 

Paul, have you forgotten that fair summer day 
We rode through the dreamy old forest so free ? 

Did we envy the happy wood-robins their lay. 
As we climbed the steep cliffs hand in hand ? 
To me 

'Twas a joy more complete than my senses had 
known. 
I dreamed not of love ; knew the hour could not 
last; 

(35) 



36 



PEARL. 



That our paths would diverge, that again I, alone, 
Must climb those bald cliffs as I had in the past. 

And one night, while we sailed o'er the moonlighted 
bay. 
You whispered, so softly, these words in my ear — 
Ah, they thrill my soul yet ! — '' Pearl, my darling, 
alway 
I'll keep in remembrance my pupil so dear." 

Still, forgot inc, ere golden October had fled ; 

Then, phantom-like Doubt tore the thin veil away 
From my heart, that so long, aye, so gladly, had fed 

On poor husks of friendship / offer to-day. 

" She was cold, could not love," you have said of 
the dead 
Lulena — and, Leighton, perhaps it was true — 
But you know there's a mountain called Hecla, 
whose head 
Is wrapped in a hood of perpetual snow. 

Far below that cold mask do they find ice and snow ? 

Or lava floods surging and seething, alone ? 
Paul, some women are Heclas ; God help them ! 
for oh. 
Their hearts cry for bread, yet receive but " a 
stone /'' 



PEARLS ANSWER. 



37 



No. To take for my king, for my guiding star here, 

A nature as weak, or more fickle than mine, 
'Twould blot out sun and moon from my sky, 
bright and clear. 
And make life a burden. 

Adieu, Ever thine. 



XIII. 
OLD LETTERS. 

The clock is striking from the tower, 
The time is " midnight's holy hour." 

Alone, beside her desk she stands, 
An open letter in her hands, 

And reads, while tears bedim her eyes : 
*^ Dear Margarie : " oh, glad surprise ! 

" Before I go away again, 
I'll cowardly allow my pen 

" To tell you how a vulture tears 
My heart to-night with grief. Two years 

" Ago, I met, in lovely Rome, 
Lulena Snover, in her home 

" Of taste and wealth and art combined ; 
An Artist's home, where mind met mind. 

(39) 



40 



PEARL. 

" There, in that happy atmosphere 
Of music, flowers, and pictures rare, 

" Helped by her father's patronage 
My poor attempts became the rage. 

" ' Lulena's portrait you must try,' 
Her father said, ' and, by-the-by, 

" ' The dear girl chooses yoii^ said he, 
' Of all the artists here, you see.* 

" Lulena's picture grew apace. 

From out the canvas gleamed a face 

" As full of pride, passion, and power, 
As Juno's ; and, O, evil hour ! 

" (She is my senior years full ten) 
I sought this paragon again. 

*^ I won Lulene, and thought with pride 
That I could love my artist bride, 

'' Dearer than aught in life or art ; 
But, Pearl, I did not know my heart. 

" My health was failing. Northern air 
And rest from labor, thought, and care 



OLD LETTERS. 41 

"• I found, and, with them — ah, too late ! 
My hfe's ideal. Cruel fate ! 

^' Sweet Margarie, my pearl most fair, 
I love you. Child, your waving hair 

'' Is dearer far than Lulu's gold — 
Her genius, fame, and beauty cold. 

'' Alas, in honor I am bound 
To wed Lulene ! A grief profound 

" Is mine to-night. Adieu — but yet, 
Believe me, lovely Margaret, 

" If I to win your love were free, 
To kiss your cheeks, sweet Margarie, 

'''■ And watch their color come and go. 
Like roses on a bank of snow, 

" And hold your dainty hand in mine, 
'Twould be a joy almost divine. 

'' But Fate divides us. Angels bright 
Guard all your future. Pearl, good-night ! 

" I dare not trust my fickle heart 
To say ' Good-bye,' before we part ; 



42 



PEARL. 

'' Yet while I live, a golden dream 
These dear, dead summer days will seem. 

" Your gift of daisies, pure and white, 
Sweet Marguerites, plucked to-night 

" By you, a souvenir till death 
I'll keep, and kiss with latest breath." 



XIV. 
THE REASON WHY. 

The Lady Pearl for all the seven years, 
Kissed it, and laid it by with falling tears ; 

Then, from another yellow paper, read : 
" My Daughter Margaret : — Last night Paul said : 

" ' Dear Earl, pray give this parting note to P^arl 
As soon as I have gone away. Sweet girl, 

" ' I know she'll mourn my absence, for an hour. 
Then turn, with girlish zest, to book and flower 

" ' For pleasure ; while, in haste, alas ! I fly 
From her enchantments dear. My Lord, good- 
bye ! ' 

" He wrung my hand again, with grief sincere, 
And quickly left the Hall. A sudden fear — 

(43) 



44 PEARL. 

'' I beg your pardon, child — made it seem best 
That you should think him cruel till the last ; 

" Hoping his cold neglect would quickly prove 
An antidote to this, your fancied love. 

" May lover come not till a far-off day 
To steal my Pearl, my darling Queen, away." 

Yes, though full seven years had drifted by 
Since both were penned. Pearl gave this joyous 
cry : 
'' Dear God, I thank Thee ! At this distant day 
Paul does not know I threw my heart away ! " 

And with this knowledge came the olden joy, 
Her youthful faith unmixed with Doubt's alloy. 

" To-morrow morn I'll lay my pride aside — 
Obey my heart — and tell him that his bride 

'' I'd rather be, than sit upon a throne 
And rule the WORLD. My new-born love will 
own," 

She said, with burning blushes, streaming eyes, 
Then read the missives o'er with new surprise. 



THE REASON WHY. 



45 



The morning came at last. She found that Paul, 
Without adietiXj at dawn, had left the Hall. 

" My faith and penitence have come too late ; 
I've killed his love ! " she said. Ah, cruel fate ! 



XV. 
A WINTER. 

Wearily, slowly, the days crept along ; 
No gayety, laughter, music, or song 
Enlivened the Hall that whole winter long. 

Snow drifted over the graves in the Park, 
Still was the Hall as a vault and as dark ; 
Yet, to its mistress, a sheltering ark. 

Margaret, wrapped in a sorrowful dream. 
White and as mute as the statues that gleam 
Life-like and pure 'mid the trees in the sheen 

Of silvery moonbeams. Closed was the Hall 
To neighbors and friends, acquaintances, all ; 
For Feeling seemed numb — Hope under a pall. 

(47) 



48 



PEARL. 



Life was a meaningless void. Day and night 
On sorrow and death — her love's early blight — 
Dwelt her lone heart, once so joyous and light. 

She dreaded the future, sighed for the past ; 
Lived in the days that, for her, could not last ! 
Unheeding the present, flying so fast. 

Oh, had her dear, dead young mother from o'er 
The river of Death, its echoless shore, 
Beheld sweet Margaret Malley once more ; 

Pitying tears would have fallen, I know ; 
If angels can weep for sorrows below ; 
Or for Niobes whose tears can not flow. 

You've seen the sun set in the sea, I trow ; 

Or into an ocean of mist sink low, 

And old Night swoop down over all below ? 

Stretch his still dark wings o'er the land so bright 
Of late, and Day fade into darksome night ? 
Well, so had Joy's sunshine taken its flight ! 

Since, from the Hall had journeyed far away 
The artist ; in her thoughts both night and day, 
The letter found had lived — a sacred lay. 



A WINTER. 

Ah, this so-called love is a mystery- 
Strange and fathomless, as is life to me, 
Or the endless years of eternity. 

Thus, like daily tides and the sun's red gold. 
Is my story new to the young, but old 
To many — ay, e'en like a tale twice told. 



49 



XVI. 
COMPANY. 

With hawthorn bloom and birds of May 
The Countess of Allaine one day- 
Came with her son Allaine's proud Earl, 
She said, to cheer the Lady Pearl. 

" Have just returned from France, my dear, 
Where we have been almost a year. 

*' That you are lonely, child, we hear ; 
You know we both are friends sincere ; " 

She said, and, with a close embrace, 
Rained kisses on the orphan's face. 

Pearl's mother, born in far-off Maine, 
Niece of the late Earl of Allaine, 

Child of his only sister, fair 
And stately Lady Alice Blair, 

(51) 



52 



PEARL. 

Who, on New England's surf-washed shore 
Had found a grave, long years before. 

At his request the orphaned May 
To " Merry England " far away 

Went to the Earl, her uncle. He 
Called her a sacred legacy. 

Her governess. Rose Lee, a true 
New England girl, went with her, too, 

To find a home — and not in vain — 
For, soon the kind Earl of Allaine 

Wedded the governess ; and plain 
Rose Lee became Lady Allaine. 

Yet, ever after, strange to say, 
Remained a friend to lovely May ; 

Rejoiced with all a mother's pride 
When May became Lord Malley's bride ; 

And shed most bitter tears the day 
Pearl's mother passed from earth away ; 

And vowed : " Sweet child ! dear motherless ! 
With my maternal love I'll bless. 



COMPANY. 

" And wed thee to my son and heir." 
Disinterested lady (!) " Fair 

Queen Margaret " to London went 
Last year. To their dull parlors lent 

Her lovely presence. Lord Allaine, 
Heir to the late Earl's vast domain, 

Sought the young heiress ; but, with pain, 
Acknowledged he had wooed in vain ; 

Still, more enamored grew, and sighed : 
*' This jewel yet shall be my bride." 



53 



XVII. 
THE RECEPTION. 

Well, Pearl received her friends with joyless mien 
And smileless face, yet grand in its repose 

As sweet day lilies sleeping, cold, serene 
As petals of an ice-imprisoned rose. 

" More like a statue of herself, than Pearl, 

Or sleeper, moving in the moon-ray's gleam," 

The Countess sadly thought, '' than the sweet girl 
Who last year graced my soirees.'* '^ Do I dream ? " 

Sighed Lord Allaine, and quickly looked away 
To hide his deep surprise ; then mutely pressed 

Her unresponsive fingers, longed to say : — 
'' Oh, frozen Daisy, come to me and rest ! " 

'' This portly Earl Allaine, with pompous air. 
Chin dimpled, brow too low for genius — kind 

Blue eyes, flushed face, blonde mustache, tawny hair; 
With lips too full for feelings quite refined, 

(55) 



56 



PEARL. 



'' Or tastes aesthetic ; has a heart as kind 

And tender as a woman's. He would prove 

As true as gold to one, who with a blind, 

Unshrinking faith, could give him love for love, 

'' And hand for heart ; " instinctively his fair 

Young hostess thought, shuddered, then led the 
way 

To parlors filled with light and perfumed air. 
Bright with anemones ; exotics gay, — 

Where ferns and ivies in rare vases, clung 

Or twined themselves in graceful beauty round 

Choice paintings, marble goddesses, and hung 
From bronzes rich, and chalices gold-bound. 

And silken lambrequins, and laces rare 

Artistically draped, or drawn aside. 
To let the sunshine and the sweet May air 

Bless blooming plants ; of late, her care and pride. 



XVIII. 
A PROPOSITION. 

The Countess soon declared that it was wrong 
For her dear kins-woman thus to immure 

Herself within the grand old Hall so long; 
And strove, with thoughts of travel, to allure 

Her mind from sorrow. Then proposed that she 
With her should cross the ocean — while away 

The summer in Columbia, and see 

The grand Centennial. From day to day 

Talked of the Exposition, — dwelt with pride 
On the improvements which a century 

Had wrought, — of ancestors who fought, ay, died^ 
In gloomy forests, for sweet Liberty. 

"Yes, Edward, I've been loyal to the Queen — 
Your father too ! Through all my wedded years 
Have scarcely dreamed oViome. Yet, olden scenes 
Come back, to-night, and move my heart to tears. 

(SI) 



58 



PEARL. 

IVe been an exile over thirty years 

From friends and haunts so loved in early days, 
I long to see my Boston home — the dear 

Old South Church where, so oft, in songs ot 
praise 



" I joined my young companions, long ago. 

And, Pearl, your grandmother, the Lady Blair, 
Lies in her lonesome grave in Maine. I know 
You'll visit it. The Earl erected there 

** A monument which cost a thousand pounds. 
I well remember when she died ; how May, 
Your darling mother, flung her arms around 
My neck, and begged me not to go away. 

** But I am growing garrulous, I know— 

I beg your pardon, child — but promise me 
That to this Exposition you will go. 

With Edward and myself, across the sea." 



XVIX. 
THE JOURNEY. 

Pearl promised, and, in June, 'mid storm and cloud, 
They sailed across Atlantic's bosom wide — 

First visited New England's cities proud, 

Then saw Mount Washington in all his pride. 

Admired the perfect scenery around, 

Sailed on St. Lawrence past the '' Thousand Isles," 
Soon stood with rapt delight, and gazed, spell-bound, 

Upon sublime Niagara the while. 

Saw Canada — the Lakes — the South ; rode days 
O'er prairies green. A thousand miles, or more. 

Sailed on the Mississippi. Steamed away 
Across the Continent. The golden shore 

Of far Pacific reached, — then, much amazed 

Plucked lush, ripe grapes from purple vineyards 
there. 
Went to Yosemite, with wonder gazed 
Upon the Bridal Vail, the clear blue air 

(59) 



6o PEARL. 

And mountain scenery, sublimely grand ; 

Where snow-crowned summits kiss the clouds, rise 
high 
Peak above peak — then sought the magic land 

Of mammoth trees whose branches cleave the sky. 

They journeyed eastward. In the autumn days 
Reached the Centennial. Lady AUaine 

And titled son were lavish in their praise — 
Said : — " To describe it all, is quite in vain ! '* 

*'A11 expectation it exceeds. To see 

This Exposition, dearest Margaret, * 

Through life a pleasant memory will be ; 
To miss it, but a lifetime of regret ! " 

The grounds with foliage and flowers were gay ; 

Skies never brighter seemed. From morn till 
night 
The three, like children on a holiday, 

Examined works of art with strange delight. 



XX. 

PEARL'S CONCLUSION. 

Pearl hourly grew more cheerful 

As the summer days waxed long ; 
Her pallid lips, eyes tearful, 

Gave place to smile and song. 
With health's warm roses, burning 

Once again on cheeks of snow, 
Came spirits gay, returning 

Fraught with all their olden glow. 

Lady AUaine was hopeful, 

Thought, with true maternal pride. 
The Earl will be successful ; 

He will win his chosen bride." 
Lord Edward was but human, 

He believed his lordly hand 
Worthy the sweetest woman 

Whom he knew in all the land. 

But, at the Exhibition, 

Pearl seemed far more sad than gay ; 

(6i) 



62 PEARL. 

For art her old ambition 

Would return, then die away. 

At times, when fancy painted 
All the lonesome, loveless years 

To come, her tried heart fainted, 
Though she still repressed her tears, 

And thought, with strange emotion, 

Lips and cheeks of ashen hue, 
" For Lord Allaine's devotion 

Some reward is surely due. 
Yet, for his love so tender, 

True respect and friendship kind 
Are all that I can render. 

Well, 'tis said that ' Love is blind.' 

" That, two classes of lovers 

Wise experience has proved. 
Are found the whole world over — 

' Those zvho love and those beloved^ 
Although my heart can never 

All alone to him be given ; 
Or, such a marriage ever 

Quite be blessed to me of heaven. 

*' Perhaps, 'tis best to sever 

All connection with my past, 
The Earl wed, and endeavor 
To '^wdi peace and rest at last." 



PEARLS CONCLUSION. 

Alas, this sage conclusion 

Filled her heart and mind with pain ; 
She thought, with strange confusion, 

*' To inysclfYW. true remain." 



** Although earth-ties, affections, 

Yes, husband and children dear 
And all love's sweet protection 

Are through life denied me here ; 
I'll find enough of beauty 

Still, in Nature, books, and art 
To cheer me on in duty, 

Help me act a Christian's part." 

Again, two careless lovers 

Walking arm in arm along, 
Or young and happy mother 

Who, in all that surging throng 
Of moving human beings. 

Saw alone her baby's face, 
She met — or young bride seeing 

Smile and blush, with timid grace 

Receive, in glad contentment, 

Words of praise, attentions kind,— 
" Oh, Fates ! this sweet enchantment 
Once again fling 'round my mind,' 



63 



64 PEARL. 

Sighed Pearl. " Ah, to be treated 
Thus, with tenderness alway ! 

My wants anticipated 
With such loving care. Each day 



" Attentions kind receiving, 

Cheered by jest and laughter light, 
Is better, far, than grieving 

O'er my perished hopes. 'Tis right 
That I my dead should bury, 

Bid my gloomy thoughts adieu, 
And, kind Lord Edward marry, 

For his love is warm and true." 



XXL 

IN ART GALLERY. 

Within the Art Department, hour by hour, 
With Earl Allaine ever beside her chair, 
The Lady Margaret, in dire dismay. 
Listened to whispered comments on the rare 
Vases and paintings, statues, tapestry. 
And rich mosaics in the Gallery. 

He talked of the exhibits from abroad, 
Contrasted works of foreign art and ours 
With such a painful lack of culture, taste, 
Of fine discrimination, knowledge, power. 
That his companion bit her rosy lips 
With chagrin and disgust, I am afraid ; 
Then turned away her face, in vain, to hide 
The burning blushes dyeing neck and brow, 
Called there by criticisms, quite unfair. 
Upon the statuary gathered there. 
Then, suddenly, " Look at this picture !" cried 
The Earl ; " 'tis very finely done, indeed ! 
I met the artist once, five years ago 
In Rome ; was in his studio, and saw 
This very painting there ; unfinished then." 

(65) 



^ PEARL. 

She looked in silence, but his words recalled 
From out the hidden crypts of buried hopes, 
Features which she contrasted mentally 
With her companion's heavy, florid face. 
Saw Paul (a very prince amongst the men 
Whom she had met abroad, also at home), 
With keenest ear for music, eye for art, 
Love for esthetics, and soul all alert 
With power to understand, appreciate 
All nature ; and capacities so great 
For loving the sublime and beautiful. 
His bearing elegant — a soul-lit face 
So eloquent with feeling, grand with thought ; 
A noble forehead crowned with midnight hair, 
And eyes so dark and glorious, when fired 
By genius, love, or sympathy. Lips proud. 
But delicate. A sweet and winning smile. 
Contrasted well his face with Earl Allaine's — 
A lump of coarser clay — though kind and true, 
The animal predominating there, 
Overshadowing both intellect and soul. 
" The contrast is too great between the Earl 
And artist," sadly mused the Lady Pearl. 

That night she dreamed of Paul. So vivid seemed 
The vision, that the morning's rosy rays 
Could not dispel his image from her thoughts. 
His presence permeated all the air. 
If there are brain waves, surely this was one. 
Is there an atmosphere around each soul 



IN AR T CALLER V. 6y 

Like that enveloping our earth ? Or have 

The parts we call immortal — soul and mind, 

Surrounding antennae invisible ? 

Or strange electric currents, sensitive 

To slightest contact with the sentient waves 

Of brain enveloping approaching friends. 

Sending a thrill of strange expectancy. 

Of feeling like a rising tidal wave, 

Or longing to behold the face and form 

Of one we love, submerging Reason quite ; 

Making us dream, foreshadowing events 

To come, until we blindly stretch our arms — 

These antennae of soul and sense — to kiss 

And fold the unseen living presence dear 

In an embrace sweeter than sense of touch. 

Causing a thrill of rapture, or of pain. 

Or terrible suspense ? The startling, keen 

Impression that Calamity is near. 

Which comes to us, at times, in sleeping hours. 

But quite as often in our waking dreams? 

Or are we warned by angels? Do they touch 

Us with their spirit hands invisible ? 

Or whisper in our ears predictions true ? 

Oh, learned students in psychology, 

Or, sage philosophers, pray answer me ! 



XXII. 
A MEETING. 

They were strolling one day in the Park, side by- 
side, 
" Dearest Pearl," said the Earl, " I am waiting to 
hear 
From your lips life or death to my hopes — be my 
bride — 
Cheer and brighten my home with your presence 
so dear. 

" The Countess, my good mother, loves you like a 
child. 
My first, last, only LOVE; let me call you ^ my 
Pearl,' " 
But, withdrawing her hand. Lady Pearl quickly 
smiled. 
Crimsoned, and then grew white as the dying. 
The Earl 

Saw a stranger approaching, and felt that the twain 
Had loved dearly — their faces, instinct with new 
lifej 

(69) 



70 



PEARL. 



Told him that they loved still — and, in anger and 
pain, 
He knew well sweet Pearl Malley would ne'er be 
his wife. 

Yet he reddened and stared, and his eyes fairly 
burned, 
While Paul Leighton shook hands with the lady 
again ; 
(For Paul read in her eyes that his love was re- 
turned). 
When the Earl of Allaine, though the mildest 
of men. 

Bowed with courtly politeness and held out his 
hand. 
For he recognized Paul, as an artist from Rome. 
Then he said : " Lady Pearl," in a tone of command, 
" Come, the phaeton's here ; we must turn to- 
ward home." 

" I will see you to-morrow," said Paul, as the twain 
Bowled away through the beautiful Park in the 
glow 

Of the glorious sunset. Pearl told Lord Allaine 
Of her love for the artist. " I wish you to know 

Why I can not be yours, my dear Cousin Allaine, 
For I owe you much kindly attention. For years 



A MEETING. yi 

I have tried to forget him — to love you—\n vain ; 
Yet forgive me," still urged her brown eyes, wet 
with tears. 

"Will I pardon you? Yes. 'Twas my fault. 
Dearest girl, 
May your future be peaceful, your life glad and 
bright ; 
May God bless you and keep you ! Farewell, 
darling Pearl, 
For I leave the ' Centennial City ' to-night ! " 



XXIIL 

LORD EDWARD. 

Quickly fell the Countess* tears 
When she found the hopes of years 

All had fled ; 
But, the courtly Lord Allaine 
Deftly hiding his heart-pain, 

Quickly said : 

No, my mother, you must stay 
Till you give the bride away> 

For, you know. 
None will chaperone our dear 
Margaret — a stranger here — 

If yoii go? 

Yes, 'tis true, she was my choice, 
But, the Lady Edith Boise 

Still is free ; 
And, you know, before she went 
Last year, to the Continent, 

Cared for me, 

(73) 



74 



PEARL. 

" Though for lovely Pearl, to-day, 
Sore in heart I go away, 

Mother dear; 
Lady Edith I may find, 
If not quite so fair, more kind^ 
Dry your tears 

*' And, in Paris, I'll forget. 
If I can, ' Queen Margaret ' — 

Strive to win 
Charming Edith, for my bride, 
Ere the happy Christmas tide 

Shall begin." 

Smile not, oh, my reader true ! 
Though, his fickleness to you 

May seem rare ; 
For, in real life, I ween. 
Constancy (?) like this is seen, 

Critic fair, 

And, in love-life we have found 
Hearts are won in the " re-bound.' 

And, 'tis true. 
One in pique may win a wife. 
But, alas ! long years of strife 

May ensue. 



XXIV. 

TO PEARL. 
Pearl :— 

If I've read your eyes aright? 
Wear these daisies, in the morning, 
Wavy, gold-brown hair adorning 
With my bridal daisies white ; 
Yours, with all Paul's love; Good-night. 



XXV. 

TO PAUL. 
Paul: — 

Marguerites " pure and white *' — 
'' Bridal daisies," sent to-night 
With your love, my life to brighten, 
I will wear with joy, dear Leighton. 

Yours, with a// Pearl's love ; Good-night. 



XXVI. 
MORNING. 

All thy rays, O Sun, are beaming 
With delight. Autumnal flowers 

And the tinted leaves are dreaming 
With a joy, new born. The Hours 

Sing and laugh — rehearse the glory 
O'er and o'er of Eden days — 

Earth's first lovers — tell the story 
To the list'ning Air ablaze 

With a hazy, mellow splendor. 

Oh, these dreamy purple skies. 
Blending with the blue and tender 

Mists, which from the Schuylkill rise! 

" All the world is full of beauty, 

Eden joys and blooming bowers ; 
And, again, sweet Love and Duty 
Bid me wear these snowy flowers. 

(79) 



8o PEARL, 

" They recall the dear lost pleasures 
Of my past — its summer hours — 
Somewhere, still, among my treasures 
Is a bunch of withered flowers, 

'' Which, Paul wreathed amid my tresses ; 
Gifts, my heart taught me to prize 
More than all the Malley diamonds. 
Far more precious in my eyes 

"Are these daisies; " said her tender. 
Smiling lips of ruby hue, 
Sweet, brown eyes with youthful splendor 
Beaming. Joy to Pearl was 7iezv, 



XXVII. 
AT LAST. 

Why repeat the old, old story 
How the twain 

In the Autumn's golden glory 
Met again? 

Of the voiceless rapture filling 
Heart and brain, 

Soul as well as senses thrilling? 
Tongue and pen 

Weakly falter while repeating 
Bliss like theirs; 

For, we see, in such a meeting, 
Answered prayers. 

On a glad November morning. 

O'er the sea, 
Bridal white her form adorning 



Margarie 



(Si) 



82 PEARL. 

Wedded Paul with joy bells ringing 
From the tower, 

Round which ivy-green is clinging, 
Blissful hour ! 

And, while wedding bells are chiming 
With delight ; 

Reader, I will cease my rhyming — 
Say " Good-night." 



C yi 89 



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